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FOREWORD

As the initial phases of Operation Joint Endeavor drew to a close with the former warring factions separated and their soldiers and equipment either in garrison or demobilized, Task Force Eagle faced a new dilemma - - violent confrontations between civilian groups. These confrontations, often called demonstrations, riots, or civil uprisings, were the result of a still fragile social infrastructure that had not kept pace with the military progression toward peace. The armies had quit fighting, but the civilians were not ready to put the past behind them.

The right of freedom of movement throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina allowed civilians of all ethnicities to cross the Inter-Entity Boundary Line, with certain constraints, to conduct visits and look for homes. This right, clearly outlined in the country's new constitution, was not always accepted by civilians of different ethnic backgrounds. Muslims crossing the Inter-Entity Boundary Line from the Federation side met with resistance from Serbs on the Republic Srbska side and vice-versa. The resistance often resulted in violent aggression to block the movement.

The soldiers and leaders of Task Force Eagle faced a double-edge sword. The burden of maintaining law and order rested on the civil law enforcement agencies and the entities were held accountable by the General Framework Agreement for Peace to "Provide a safe and secure environment for all persons in their respective jurisdictions." However, a supporting task of Task Force Eagle was, on request, and within the limits of its principal tasks, to respond appropriately to deliberate violence to life and persons.

This newsletter demonstrates how Task Force Eagle minimized the potential for hostilities by holding the civil police responsible for maintaining law and order. At the same time, Task Force Eagle had to posture combat power to respond to a situation if it disintegrated into violence.

The Center for Army Lessons Learned thanks the following members of Task Force Eagle who provided invaluable assistance in compiling the information contained in this document:

EDWARD J. FITZGERALD III
COL, IN
Director, Center for Army Lessons Learned

Introduction